question of prolonging the TPE from drying out

Dolllover2019 · Post by **Dolllover2019** » Wed Apr 24, 2019 8:41 pm

Right now I always have her wrapped up in the blanket which she came with mainly to keep dust off her. I wonder if that is good or bad as per TPE drying out. Or should I leave her uncovered so the TPE can breath, so to speak? I live in Cali and its pretty dry here. Any thoughts?

That Guy · Post by **That Guy** » Wed Apr 24, 2019 8:44 pm

I'm with you too.... I wonder what is the best practice. I worry about not having air circulate around the doll... and wonder if I should cover the doll too. (to keep the dust off)

Dollarhyde · Post by **Dollarhyde** » Wed Apr 24, 2019 8:49 pm

You can leave them covered in a blanket... One of my older none standing gals is in her blanket all the time with no issues. Just remember depending upon how long you leave them (like a year...) I suggest a good mineral oil rub down...

Mr Franz · Post by **Mr Franz** » Wed Apr 24, 2019 9:11 pm

My TPE gal is kept fully clothed out in the open near 24/7. No ill effects after more than a year and a half. She's also cleaned, oiled and powdered as needed and her skin is just as supple as the day she arrived, if not more so.

Nord · Post by **Nord** » Wed Apr 24, 2019 10:12 pm

Clothes don't seem to matter. I like to keep my doll either clothed or under covers most of the time as well, and she's 3½ years old now, no problem. I do treat her with mineral oil bi-monthly or so, but she's of an older TPE blend so she dries more quickly than new models.

Dolllover2019 · Post by **Dolllover2019** » Wed Apr 24, 2019 11:18 pm

Bi-monthly oiling, wow, I am already dreading the day I have to give her her next shower.

Nord wrote:Clothes don't seem to matter. I like to keep my doll either clothed or under covers most of the time as well, and she's 3½ years old now, no problem. I do treat her with mineral oil bi-monthly or so, but she's of an older TPE blend so she dries more quickly than new models.

Mr Franz · Post by **Mr Franz** » Wed Apr 24, 2019 11:36 pm

Shower? I just do standing sponge baths as needed! Quick and easy.

trees · Post by **trees** » Thu Apr 25, 2019 12:05 am

What is a good mineral oil to use?

Mr Franz · Post by **Mr Franz** » Thu Apr 25, 2019 12:07 am

I just use regular baby oil.

trees · Post by **trees** » Thu Apr 25, 2019 8:44 pm

Mr Franz wrote:I just use regular baby oil.

Awesome, I'll try it.
I've never put oil on it, only talc.
Oil sounds more fun.

Mr Franz · Post by **Mr Franz** » Thu Apr 25, 2019 8:49 pm

trees wrote:
Mr Franz wrote:I just use regular baby oil.
Awesome, I'll try it.
I've never put oil on it, only talc.
Oil sounds more fun.

Oh it is! Just wash and dry 1st before you apply it. Only takes a thin layer and be sure to wait for it to absorb fully before powdering. Can take several hours and she may still feel tacky. Powder will take care of that though.

Nord · Post by **Nord** » Thu Apr 25, 2019 9:22 pm

trees wrote:What is a good mineral oil to use?

Johnsons babyoil is the most popular choice, and is available in many countries. Just make sure it is based on mineral oil and not the healthy eco stuff like coconut oil and such. I'd suggest no fragrance as well if you want to add perfume afterwards.

trees · Post by **trees** » Fri Apr 26, 2019 2:43 am

Your all very helpful, the tips and advice are greatly appreciated.
I'll get baby oil and when I get a chance I'll try it out.
It does sound like hrs of fun.

Dolllover2019 · Post by **Dolllover2019** » Sat Apr 27, 2019 1:59 am

Yea Johnsons or similar product. I notice from time to time there are little nicks here are there, tiny small but noticeable protruding TPE or could be just flakes. Most times you can just dab a small amount of baby oil and cloth, gently wipe over it and it will disappear. Spot oiling I suppose. Then let dry and powder that area only. Don't over rub it , if it continues to stay there, leave it alone. Nothing is 100% perfect.

smallcat · Post by **smallcat** » Sat Apr 27, 2019 2:28 am

If you really want to keep her pristine, you would need a room with no oxygen/sunlight and avg temps

... while its a bit ridiculous lol approach but that would be proper.

I've had no issues with heavy blankets on my 2 dolls in bed 1sili/tpe. I never oiled any dolls over the year. I just keep them dusted before stickiness appears, i just dust them heavily with microfiber cloth with starch on it, gets done really quick, instead of annoying brush which can nip/slice her..Starch usually lasts a long time on them if you don't use them, if they are already over that oily stage. Only real annoying crappy issues dolls have, especially the soft kind is "abrasions" to their skin which removes that softness in which oil can't fix; my rational guess where my doll is getting her(tpe) abrasions from is from sitting on her ass all day and in bed, I don't move her carefully..Depending on type of blanket,bedding, if it causes abrasions or not.. And their clothes what they wear, how you remove and such.

Also I believe our facial skin oils(which we have a lot of)may cause these abrasions as well which removes that softness, instead makes those little "stubbles" to appear, I'm sure some of you guys noticed it if you look closely, depending on what spots of her skin, but im not 100%(more like 60%) certain on this.

My standing tpe dolls seem ok, I don't use them much. I cover my silicone/tpe standing dolls with a large light white scarfs, so they look nice, only their head is somewhat uncovered.